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Air Traffic Control Specialist (Terminal)

Department of the Army
United States Army Installation Management Command
Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobility and Security

Summary

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

About the Position: This position is included under the provisions of Special Retirement Coverage (SRC) and may have both a maximum entry age and a mandatory retirement date. For more information follow this link:
https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/140025/140025_vol331.pdf

Overview

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Accepting applications
Posted this week · Apply by 06/09/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on June 9, 2026
Location
2 vacancies in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$100,388 - $130,512 per year

The advertised salary does not include our current rate of 1.49% tax free Cost of Living Allowance (COLA).

Pay scale & grade
GS 11
Promotion potential
None
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Not required
Appointment type
Term - Position may be filled as a Term Appointment not to exceed (NTE) 3 years. Extensions may be possible in accordance with guidance on the job announcement.
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
No
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Not Required
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
IPA1-26-12975191-DHA
Control number
871479800

Videos

Duties

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  • Serves as Air Traffic Control Specialist for a Visual Flight Rule (VFR) tower and a Precision Approach Control Radar Approach.
  • Control aircraft using radar, ensuring precise alignment of both search and precision radar screens.
  • Issues instructions and clearances to aircraft operating in the tower's area of responsibility.
  • As training supervisor, conducts all phases of tower and radar facility training under the direction of the facility chief.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • This position is covered by the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Program.
  • An applicant not currently occupying a GS-2152 “covered” position is required to successfully complete a pre-employment Class IV flight physical prior to being placed into this position.
  • Incumbent is subject to periodic (e.g. annual) medical examinations following appointment to determine fitness for continued performance of the duties of the position.
  • This position has been designated "Mission Essential".
  • Must possess and maintain ATCS certification and a control tower operator’s license.
  • Must certify in both the Tower and the Ground Control Approach (GCA) within the time limits specified in AR 95-2.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens

In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience.

Specialized Experience GS-11: One year of specialized experience which includes directing the movement of aircraft in flight and on runways/taxiway; controlling take-off and landing of a variety of military and/or civilian aircraft utilizing the airfield; and establishing and maintaining radio and/or visual contact with the aircraft. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-10).
In addition I have Air Traffic Control (ATC) related experience in a military or civilian air traffic facility demonstrating a comprehensive knowledge of appropriate air traffic control laws, rules, and regulations; issuing control instructions and advice to pilots in the vicinity of airports to assure proper separation of aircraft and to expedite their safe and efficient movement; ability to act decisively under stressful situations and to maintain alertness over sustained periods of pressure; skill to coordinate plans and actions with pilots and other controllers; and judgment to select and take the safest and most effective course of action from among several available choices.

In addition to meeting the specialized experience requirement above, applicants must also be a graduate of a DoD component or FAA approved formal Air Traffic Controller school and possess Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS) and/or Control Tower Operator (CTO) certification.

This position has been identified by Department of Army as an Air Traffic Controller as defined in 5 U.S.C. 2109(1)(A) and (1)(B) who is actively engaged in the separation and control of air traffic; or in providing preflight, inflight, or airport advisory service aircraft operators; or is the immediate or second-level supervisor of any employee described above. As described under 5 U.S.C. 8401(35)(B), this also includes the immediate supervisor of the person described in 5 U.S.C. 2109(1)(B). As such, this position is covered under special retirement coverage. The individual hired is subject to Special Retirement provisions to include additional contributions to the retirement fund, mandatory separation/retirement at age 56 with 20 years of approved special retirement service, options for early retirement at any age after 25 years of approved special retirement provisions service, or at age 50 with 20 years of approved special retirement provisions service.

Department of Defense (DoD), in accordance with 5 USC 3307, has determined an individual must be appointed to their first/original appointment into a DoD position that has been identified and approved for special retirement coverage as an Air Traffic Controller no later than the last day of the month in which they become 36. Preference eligible veterans over the age of 36, may apply regardless of the age restriction. If selected, a waiver of the age restriction will be requested by the hiring official for approval by the Department of Army.

An individual who is past the maximum entry age (36) who previously served in an approved Department of Defense Air Traffic Controller position may be reinstated to a covered position provided they meet the applicable qualification requirements AND will be able to complete a total of 20 years of covered service as an Air Traffic Controller by the last day of the month in which they become 56.

Department of Army may approve an exception to the maximum entry age (36) for original entry into a covered Air Traffic controller position. However, any individual who has reached the mandatory separation age (56) is not eligible for employment or reemployment as an Air Traffic Controller.

You must provide sufficient documentation to determine proof of age. This documentation should be attached under Proof of Age as identified in the Required Documents section.

For reentry into a covered position, you must also provide sufficient documentation (SF-50s) to show length of service in a previously covered Air Traffic Controller position.

Education

Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone -- no substitution of education for experience is permitted.

Additional information

  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
  • You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
  • This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
  • Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
  • Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
  • If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
  • This is a(n) Aviation Career Field position.
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
  • Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
  • Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest.
  • Position may be filled as a Term Appointment not to exceed (NTE) 3 years. Term appointments may be extended beyond of six (6) years, up to eight (8) years. With DoD approval, Term appointments may be extended beyond eight (8) years. As a Term employee, you are eligible for coverage under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, the Federal Employees Group Life Insurance Program, and the Federal Employees Retirement System, Thrift Savings Plan and annual/sick leave.
  • Applicants must comply with the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) requirements as outlined in the DoD Instruction 1315.19. For more information on EFMP, please visit the following link: https://www.armymwr.com/programs-and-services/personal-assistance/exceptional-family-member-program.
  • Position may become permanent without further competition.
  • This appointment does not confer eligibility to be non-competitively converted to career-conditional or career appointment.
  • Further certification from this announcement may take place up to 90 days beyond the closing date of this announcement.
  • Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once the announcement has closed, a review of your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position.

Veterans and Military Spouses will be considered along with all other candidates.

United States Army Installation Management Command

Civilian employees serve a vital role in supporting the Army mission. They provide the skills that are not readily available in the military, but crucial to support military operations. The Army integrates the talents and skills of its military and civilian members to form a Total Army.

Join our team! Army Materiel Command (AMC) is the Army's primary logistics and sustainment command, responsible for managing the global supply chain and ensuring installation and materiel readiness across the Total Force.

AMC is one of the Army's largest commands with nearly 165,000 military, Army Civilian and contractor employees, impacting all 50 states and more than 150 countries. Since 1962, AMC has played a significant role in supplying our forces during wars, conflicts and contingencies, and providing humanitarian aid and disaster relief. From managing the Army's global supply chain to providing quality of life programs for Soldiers and families; from providing financial management and contracting capabilities to leading the way in data analytics, AMC's missions are wide ranging and critical.

AMC's workforce is at the core of the command's support to the Warfighter. If you are ready to take your career to the next level and be part of a culture that puts people first, we have an extensive array of career paths available. Join today and be the power behind ensuring the best equipped and sustained fighting force in the world.

Agency contact information

Army Applicant Help Desk
Website
https://portal.chra.army.mil/hr_public?id=app_inq
Address
A1-W6L7AA US ARMY INSTALLATION MGMT CMD-ALASKA
DO NOT MAIL
Fort Wainwright, AK 99703
US

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https://www.amc.army.mil

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